By Adeyemi Adekunle
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a national emergency on food security, emphasizing the urgent need for expanded irrigation infrastructure and participatory water resource management across Nigeria.
Speaking at the opening of the 6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage in Abuja, President Tinubu, represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, highlighted the nation’s vast agricultural potential. He noted that Nigeria possesses over 3.1 million hectares of irrigable land across major river basins such as the Niger and Benue, which remain underutilized.
“Africa is still facing significant challenges in harnessing its irrigation potential due to inadequate infrastructure, financial constraints, climate change, and governance issues,” Tinubu stated. He emphasized that the conference’s theme, “Tackling Irrigation Development and Water Management Crisis in Africa,” serves as a clarion call to action for sustainable agriculture and economic resilience.
Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the administration plans to scale up irrigation infrastructure and promote participatory water resource management. This includes the implementation of the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project, in collaboration with the World Bank, aimed at building upon the successes of the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project. The TRIMING project achieved significant milestones, including the completion of the Dadin-Kowa and Bakolori irrigation schemes and substantial progress on the Middle Rima Valley irrigation project.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, highlighted that the River Basin Development Authorities have developed over 153,000 hectares of irrigable land and are undergoing partial commercialization to attract private sector investment. Additionally, initiatives such as the establishment of Water Users Associations and farmer management centers aim to empower local communities and ensure sustainable agricultural practices.
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State underscored the impact of climate change on farming seasons, noting that irrigation is no longer a luxury but a necessity. He called for innovation and the empowerment of women and youth, who are on the frontlines of agriculture.
The conference also featured remarks from the President of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), Dr. Marco Arcieri, who praised the event as timely and essential. He expressed commitment to supporting the continent as it faces a growing population and climate-induced pressures.
President Tinubu’s declaration and the outlined initiatives represent a comprehensive approach to addressing food insecurity, emphasizing the importance of infrastructure development, community engagement, and sustainable practices to ensure Nigeria’s food future.
